Nespresso Pixie by Breville has a 19 bar high-pressure pump that allows for a barista-style result, unlocking the delicate flavour of each coffee capsule; Designed for use with Nespresso OriginalLine capsules.

The fast heat-up system reaches the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds. The machine automatically turns off after 9 minutes, consuming less energy.

The one-touch buttons with two cup capacities (Espresso and Lungo) can be reprogrammed to custom volumes. Red backlights light up to let you know when you need to refill the 24 oz. water tank

Folding drip tray for larger cups and recipes.

Each machine includes a welcome set with a range of Nespresso capsules with unique aroma profiles.

Style Name:Nespresso by Breville

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Color:Titan

The Nespresso Pixie by Breville Espresso machine offers avant-garde design with elegance and functionality. Equipped with a wide range of advanced features, the Pixie machine is energy efficient with a surprisingly compact design. Only 4.33 in. wide, it uses hardly any space and is perfect for smaller urban kitchens. At only 8 lbs. it is also easily portable. The one-touch buttons with two capacities (espresso and lungo) can be reprogrammed to custom volumes and are backlit for ease of use. The 19 bar high-pressure pump allows for barista-style result, unlocking the delicate flavors and premium aromas of each Coffee capsule during the brewing process and creating an incomparable dense and unctuous crema. The fast heat-up system reaches the ideal temperature in just 25 seconds, while the automatic power-off-function means the machine turns off 9 minutes after the last use. Streamlined for maximum efficiency, this Coffee maker lives up to Nespresso’s reputation for high-end technology. Each machine includes a welcome set with 16 espresso capsules, containing individual aromas.

After staying with a friend in Ireland who had a Nespresso unit, I got hooked on Nespresso coffee. I bought a machine as soon as I was back in the states and have never looked back. The coffee (espresso) is rich, with a nice crema on top due to the 19 bar pressure of the machine which forces hot water thru the Nespresso capsule.

Nespresso currently has 5 different machines to choose from, however the most affordable are (in order): the Inissia ($149 list, $99 on Amazon), the Pixie ($229 list, $158 on Amazon) and the CitiZ ($299 list, $175 on Amazon). There is very little difference between these machines in terms of the guts of the machine. They all offer the 19 bar pressure, have a handle that opens the top for the pod insertion, built-in water containers of roughly the same size, and programmed buttons for the amount of espresso you wish to brew. These can be reprogrammed to suit your personal preference on all these machines. The machines mentioned can be bundled with a separate milk frother/heater for about $50, and they come in a variety of colors. The less expensive models, like the Inissia and the Pixie, have more plastic parts in them than the more expensive machines, with the idea of offering the Nespresso system to newcomers who wish to keep their initial outlay lower, but they all basically make the same cup of coffee.

The Pixie is the in the middle of the affordable machines in the Nespresso realm. It is slightly taller than the Inissia and more stylish. It is also sturdier, and has more parts made of metal than the Inissia. It is rated at 4.8 stars on the Nespresso website.

Nespresso offers 17 different coffee capsules to choose from plus assorted flavored versions, decafes, and the occasional special roast coffee, all rated by intensity. A variety pack comes with the machine, and after that you will want to register your machine at Nespresso.com and buy your capsules online from Nespresso. They source 80% of their coffees from AAA rated sustainable farms, and they provide postage paid envelopes to recycle your used coffee pods. I have always had exceptional customer service from Nespresso, and they stand behind their machines. If you get hooked on this espresso and want to upgrade your machine later, you can always take advantage of members only sales at Nespresso.com.

February 14, 2016

Style Name: Nespresso|Color: Electric Titan|Verified Purchase

I was going to buy the Inissia but, after reading some comparisons between that and the Pixie, I went with the Pixie. The Pixie is made of metal and manufactured in Switzerland. The Inissia is manufactured in China and made of plastic. Not a huge deal but, from what I read, the Pixie is a better made machine.

So far, I love this machine! It’s sleek and small so it doesn’t take up much space. It brews quickly and isn’t too loud. I’m still deciding what “flavor” of pod I like the best. I’m a fan of the dark, syrupy ones so far.

I’m glad I bought the Pixie instead of the Inissia although I’m sure that machine is well made, too. It just depends on what you want and whether you’re the type of person who will eventually upgrade. I am, so I figured I’d do it sooner rather than later.

September 23, 2017

Style Name: Nespresso|Color: Electric Titan|Verified Purchase

I like straight espresso. And I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking at the different types of equipment and brands on the market. I’d heard of Nespresso before. But I don’t know anyone who has one of their machines. Besides, I had already dismissed a capsule-based machine as not being a “real” espresso machine. After all, I said to myself. Isn’t a capsule-based espresso machine, when compared to a “real” espresso machine, a bit like comparing a cup of fresh brewed coffee to instant coffee?

I’ve always heard that pulling a great shot of espresso requires a commitment. A commitment that requires the proper equipment, skill, and freshly roasted beans. A good espresso machine is not inexpensive. And they typically must be pre-heated for twenty to thirty minutes. You’ll also need a decent (not cheap) grinder, to grind the beans to the proper consistency. And you’ll need a tamper, to tamp the ground coffee in the Portafilter with just the right amount of pressure. And, of course, you’ll need to practice and spend some time to “get to know” your new equipment. When all of these factors come together, and the moon is in the right phase, I’m told that you just might be able to pull a decent shot…someday.

No problem. I am not deterred. I’m willing to spend the money for decent equipment. And I’m also willing to go through whatever ritual is necessary to make a really good shot of espresso in my own home. But what about those capsule-based espresso machines? Can they rival a “real” espresso machine? Can they really produce the flavor, aroma, and crema necessary for a good shot of espresso? I had to find out.

I’ve had espresso at Starbucks (it’s OK), and some local coffee houses and restaurants (everything from terrible to very good). And I recently had a shot from a local company that does nothing but roast coffee. They were kind enough to make me an espresso on the machine they have for their employees (a Simonelli espresso machine, costing thousands of dollars). They pulled me a shot from beans they’d roasted the day before. Then they ground them in a high-dollar grinder right before my eyes. The result? A great shot of espresso, with all the flavor, aroma, and crema that one would expect. Surely, I thought, no capsule-based system could compete.

I live in Dallas, TX. And Dallas currently has the only Nespresso store in the state. I went there not expecting to be impressed. I was wrong. I sampled three different varieties. And guess what? I like the Nespresso “Kazaar” and “Ristretto” better than any espresso I’ve ever had. I also discovered that the Nespresso system doesn’t simply pour hot water over the coffee in the capsule. Their machines have an internal pump that forces hot water under pressure into the capsule, much in the same way that hot water is forced into the Portafilter on a “real” espresso machine.

That settled it. I made the decision to purchase a Pixie. In fact, I purchased two. This machine appears to be well built. And it’s made in Switzerland, not China. As far as I’m concerned, the Nespresso pixie IS a “real” espresso machine. It’s just a lot more convenient. The warmup time is only about half a minute. And it’s very easy to use. All you have to do is add water, insert and lock the capsule of your choice, and press the button. Out comes espresso that’s as good or better than anything I’ve had in coffee shops and restaurants.

Still, I know that some espresso purists will scoff. Where’s the ritual? Where’s the skill? Where’s the control? As I mentioned earlier in this review, I’d be willing to invest the time and money in traditional equipment if it produced a better result. Granted, I haven’t tried every type of bean in combination with every type of espresso machine and grinder on the planet. Who knows? Maybe there’s a “God Shot” out there somewhere that’ll make me dump the Pixie in the trash. Until then, I’m happy to enjoy great espresso…regardless of what phase the moon is in.